Fossils are scientific evidence and millions of people should not be auctioned for private buyers, experts say

Last year, a Stagusor’s designated Apex auction sold for US $ 40.5 million. Last month, a minor Seroratosis received US $ 30.5 million.

Supporters of these sales argue that they are harmless, or good for science. Compare other fossils with art objects, appreciate their beauty or historical charm.

As a psychologist, we clearly say that these thoughts cannot be misled.

The foolishness is neither art nor trophies. They are scientific figures that provide a solid record of the deep history of the earth. There are tools to understand fossil evolution, extinction, climate change and the onset and disappearances of the climate system.

Their real value is not at their prices, but the kind of education they give. Of course, some are beautiful. Similarly, there are white rhinoceros, but no one argues that the rhinoceros should be auctioned for the most bidder. The foam is not worth its beauty, but through its permanent scientific leakage.

Science vs. owned

Experts are deep -time historians, studying life in millions of years. Our field is a science created on basic principles like any other scientific discipline. Data should be transparent, accessible, copyable and certified. In order to be in Pal Pilotology, the samples of the foam should be kept in government institutions that permanently collect.

Pylanological research is scientific only when the samples under the study are categorized in public institutions that ensure permanent access, so that other researchers examine and examine the protection data of Jovims.

That is why in 1997 the auction of the Tyranosis Rex sample was auctioned, which is called different from today’s fiancée auction. Although it was a private sale, the case was purchased by a public private consortium, which included the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH) in Chicago, Walt Disney Company, McDonald’s Corporation and private donors. Save’s skeleton was immediately kept in public confidence in the FMNH, an approved museum, and formally in catalog.

An anonymous buyer’s private collection did not end. Instead, Tea Rex became accessible to scientists and the public. It is exactly what should be done with scientifically important fossils.

Fast, some of the most remarkable gems have not been detected. Even when buyers temporarily give samples to museums, as Apex is like Stagusorus, these foolish are far beyond the range of meaningful scientific studies.

Constant access

Well -known scientific journals will not publish research on their basis for a simple reason: science demands permanent access.

Pelmentological science depends on transparency, reproductive capacity and reproductive capacity of data. Privately held, no matter how amazing it is, can disappear at any time the owner’s voice. It is impossible to guarantee this uncertainty that we can confirm the results in the future, repeat the reviews, or use new technologies or methods on the original content.

Comparison of this with Jiwash, which is placed in public confidence, such as T -Rex sued. Save skeleton has been in exhibition for almost 20 years, and has been repeatedly studied. As technology develops, we focus on new scientific questions about ancient remains and deepen our understanding of the past, a study at a time.

Professional standards

By pointing to dinosaur -based movies and toys, it can be a temptation to justify trade focus trade, as pop culture is a stand for real science. This is equivalent to debating that paint by number kits are a good alternative to the art. High -level sales mislead the public by promoting the idea that complete or large sizes are the things that make Jovashim important.

The Society of Verbate Pilotology, the world’s largest organization of professional experts, has created ethical guidelines to reflect professional research standards. Critics have called them very strict, saying the rules should be “loose”. But losing our moral standards means abandoning scientific procedures in favor of convenience and profit.

It is immoral to sell human influence or cultural specimens to private collectors. The same standard should be applied to the dinosaurs and other fossils. Families, whether it be normal or amazing and rare, is an irreparable record of the history of our planet.

Future financing

Science should not be for sale. We suggest that billionaires and billionaires who loved Jovash have put their money where this may make a difference. Instead of buying a skeleton, we encourage fans to research, support museums, students and scientific societies that breathe new life in ancient bones.

The price of a single stupid tag can provide financial support for years of ground discoveries, education and exhibitions. It is capable of leaving a legacy, especially at a time when financial support for science is diminishing.

This article is reproduced from the conversation under a creative license. Read the original article.